UNH's Whittemore School Honors N.H. Business Leader with First Entrepreneur
Venture Creator Award

DURHAM, N.H. -- Chances are you will not find Robert "Bob"
C. McCray's name in an Internet search or even in the business headlines.
You have to dig deeper to find the man with a passion for creating and
supporting new businesses honored by the University of New Hampshire's
Whittemore School of Business and Economics with the first annual Entrepreneur
Venture Creator award.

McCray was presented with the award May 2 at the fifteenth annual Paul
J. Holloway, Jr. Business Plan Prize dinner.

A recognized leader n the New Hampshire business community and beyond,
McCray has been instrumental in helping people start new businesses since
the 1970s. He is one of a group of investors known as business angels,
who quietly provide entrepreneurs with the capital needed to make dreams
come alive. McCray has been involved with more than 28 start-up companies,
investing both capital and personal expertise to help them rise above
the competition to success.

"We are honored to recognize Bob with our first annual Entrepreneurial
Venture Creator award," says Steve Bolander, dean of the Whittemore
School. "He is a leader and strong supporter of the entrepreneurial
spirit in this economic region."

McCray grew up in a small mill town in Massachusetts, earning a degree
in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and
later graduating from the Navy Supply Corp School at the Harvard Business
School. His talents brought him to the manufacturing industry, where he
rose to become CEO of Worcester Controls. With the equity and leadership
skills he acquired, he went on to start several of his own companies and
resolved to help others do the same.

"Bob's name consistently came up on top when we sought nominations
for this award," says Bill Naumes, associate professor of management.
"He has given freely of his time to other entrepreneurs as well as
our students. All those who know Bob and have engaged in conversations
with him come away with a better understanding of what it takes to start
and run a successful business. He has been a successful entrepreneur,
a strong mentor of other entrepreneurs and a long time supporter of entrepreneurial
programs at the Whittemore School. The first presentation of this annual
award was probably the easiest one to make."

McCray was an early board member of the M.I.T. Enterprise Forum, New
Hampshire High Tech Council and the Venture Capital Network of Durham.
He has, at various times, been a director and member of the executive
committees of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts
and the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire.

The Entrepreneur Venture Creator award is given to a New Hampshire resident
with a demonstrated commitment to the state's business community, an appreciation
for UNH and its resources, and a track record of creating entrepreneurial
value by starting companies, supporting and promoting new ventures and
mentoring individuals engaged in business start-ups.